Anomalous Cinema

Lord of Illusions (1995)

October 30, 2020February 26, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a damn good horror film based on Clive Barker’s story “The Last Illusion,” and directed by the man himself. I’d say this only comes in second to Hellraiser among films he’s helmed. It’s cheesy as hell. In spite of that fact, Barker thankfully ditched the one-liners that plagued Nightbreed. I watched this again recently, for the first time in ages, and found the cheese on display quite charming. If you are a Seinfeld fan, the Fromage Knob is turned to 11, because the bad guy was once George Costanza’s boss Mr. Kruger. Don’t take that the wrong way, Daniel Von Bargen (RIP), was a fantastic actor, and this is his best role by far. It’s just hard to not picture him menacing George instead of Famke Jansen. Two major plusses for this film are that it’s extremely gory, and there’s a ton of Barker’s awesome art and design on display. The CG is a little dated, but it didn’t bother me all that much. This is some recommended anomalous horror my friends.

Blu-ray available from Shout Factory.

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The Occupant (2020)

October 23, 2020February 3, 2022 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer (English – WATCH THE MOVIE IN SPANISH W/ SUBS)

Netflix delivers another entertaining Spanish thriller. The whole thing is improbable to the extreme, so forget about suspending your disbelief. It doesn’t matter because The Occupant looks great, the performances are spot on, and it has some wonderfully twisted moments. A word of warning though, some people HATED this movie. I’d say watch without expectations. Let the movie do it’s thing. If you generally appreciate the films I recommend on Anomalous Cinema, there’s a good chance you’ll like this as much as I did. Not feeling a little adventurous? Pick something else.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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Planet of the Vampires (1965)

October 9, 2020January 6, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

If you can’t get past the primitive look and FX of Star Trek: The Original Series, read no further. You will not appreciate Planet of the Vampires. I grew up watching TOS and still love it, so this movie was very enjoyable. If you’ve seen any of Mario Bava’s early, fog and color drenched work, imagine it as a feature-length Star Trek episode. That with way more experimental electronic music, far better uniforms, and a proto-Alien (1979) feel. Except wait a second… Bava made this BEFORE Star Trek ever aired. Yes this movie is cheesy, but I love it, warts and all. I also have a feeling that blood on the crew’s insignias might have a deeper meaning. That or Mario just thought it looked cool.

Blu-ray available from Lorber Films.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

‘71 (2014)

October 2, 2020January 9, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

The Troubles are the setting of this very original action / drama. The balance of those genres is well handled, and everything is beautifully filmed. The film’s tension is enhanced by a powerful, bass-heavy, John Carpenter-meets-Godspeed soundtrack. This is pretty dark stuff, but well worth your time.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

A Prayer Before Dawn (2017)

September 23, 2020January 9, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Damn good biopic based on the true story of an English man jailed in Thailand who betters himself by boxing in prison. This film is as gritty as they come, and absolutely not for the timid viewer. The violence and human degradation is almost constant. A Prayer… feels a little long, but every scene seems to be necessary, so maybe don’t watch in one sitting. The fight sequences kept the pace up even though I am 100% not a sports enthusiast. The acting and cinematography are top notch as well. How in the hell did the director get these performances out of legit Thai criminals? I need to see a making-of. Much like the book “In the Belly of the Beast,” this movie made me value my freedom like you wouldn’t believe.

Available on Blu-ray. from Lion’s Gate.

Maps to the Stars (2014)

September 18, 2020January 10, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is one of the least-typical films by David Cronenberg, but it’s a solid one for sure. Maps to the Stars is an entertaining dark comedy / satire of Hollywood that spins off in an unpredictable direction. I admire the originality here, and Mia Wasikowska is excellent. The only blemish is the use of some unnecessary CG. That is unfortunate but forgivable. Maybe you won’t even notice.

Blu-ray available from Universal.

Peeping Tom (1960)

September 6, 2020June 25, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

NOTE: This post has been updated on 6.24.24 to reflect the recent Criterion 4K / Blu-ray edition. It appears that this restored version is currently streaming on The Criterion Channel (as well as the Leo Marks documentary I mention below). I highly recommend you watch this version, preferably the 4K UHD disc.

Mark is a sad, but somehow lovable, serial killer with a unique murder technique. You might not think that would be the plot of one of the very best films ever made, but it is.

The first time I saw this was on a terrible VHS tape. The colors were washed out and the movie was cropped from it’s original aspect ratio. I liked the story but wasn’t impressed. A couple of years later I got to see a restored 35 mm print, and the difference was unbelievable. The saturated colors alone made such a huge impression. Seeing it properly presented made it one of my all time favorite films.

I really want to avoid talking about specific format releases on Anomalous Cinema, but I will ignore that for this one movie. The reason is the Criterion Collection edition. I bought the original DVD version shortly after seeing the film print, that was a very good looking release for the time. The 2024 4K/Blu-ray version is even more amazing looking (arguably perfect). The extras include a long documentary on Leo Marks, who wrote the screenplay (this doc, A Very British Psycho, has been restored and is included in the 2024 Criterion extras). What a mind-blower that was. Marks is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever learned about. We’re talking William S. Burroughs level interesting. I was so fascinated by Leo Marks I read his book “Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker’s War, 1941-1945” even though it has nothing to do with Peeping Tom or movies in general.

My experience with this one has been a gradual revelation. Peeping Tom remains a film that I’ve watched over and over, which is very rare for me.

Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray from Criterion.

Minding the Gap (2018)

September 2, 2020February 3, 2022 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Hulu | imdb | trailer

I was a TERRIBLE skater for three years in the ’80s before I gave it up. I still love to watch skateboarding videos old and new. This is a very deep documentary that just so happens to feature skater kids. Three friends navigate troubled families and becoming adults. It’s very well done and engaging throughout. Highly recommended viewing.

Available on Blu-ray from Criterion.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema please consider donating any amount via Paypal using this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

The Man Who Saw Too Much (2016)

August 26, 2020January 7, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I am a little ashamed to say that I had never heard of Mexican crime photographer Enrique Metinides before. Thanks to this film I am now a certified fan. First there’s the man himself, who is a charming eccentric. Then there’s his work, which is beautiful, but as morbidly graphic as photography can get. To top it off you get to see Metinides interacting with his toy collections, which gets downright touching at times. I say this documentary is perfect, and give it my most enthusiastic recommendation. One little side note, at the beginning as he’s talking about his first camera, the Brownie Junior, I looked down and noticed that I have the identical model sitting right below my TV. Cue The Twilight Zone theme.

FYI – There is an impressive looking book available titled 101 Tragedies of Enrique Metinides.

Available on Blu-ray from Filmrise.

Tumbbad (2018)

August 21, 2020January 9, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I’ve been wanting to feature an Indian movie for a long time, but nothing has struck me as good enough. I was going to direct you to check out Veerana: Vengeance of the Vampire / Purani Haveli: Mansion of Evil but that Mondo Macabro disc is selling for crazy collector prices now (maybe try a torrent search). Anyhow, Tumbbad was a real pleasure to find as it’s easily the best Indian film I’ve ever seen, of any genre. It’s super dark, and there’s very little of the silly humor that plagues most Bollywood films. Most important, it is genuinely creepy. Some of the CG isn’t quite up to current standards, but don’t let that keep you away. This is an excellent film with a damn good soundtrack to boot. Oh and by the way, smoking is injurious to your health.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.